WO2023129042A1

WO2023129042A1 - Biohazard decision support system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2023129042A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/051567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ahmet KOLUMAN; Furkan CİYLAN; Serkan BAŞOL; Mehmet Can TÜRK
Original assignee: Osti̇m Tekni̇k Üni̇versi̇tesi̇
Priority date: 2021-12-31
Filing date: 2022-12-22
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

A decision support system providing minimization of devastating impacts of epidemics by means of identification of epidemics / biohazards symptoms of which are known in the literature and taking them under control as soon as possible, and characterized by comprising at least one data input device (20) that enables the entry of epidemic / biohazard-related findings and data and the transmission of the entered data to the central data processing device (10), microprocessor (26) in the data input device (20) that enables data collection, processing and encryption, wireless communication module (22) and antenna (40) that enable the data collected with the data input device (20) to be transmitted to the central data processing device (10), a database (30) providing the storage of the data sent by the data input device (20), at least one central data processing device (10) providing meaningful results for decision makers by processing the data with artificial intelligence algorithms.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Biohazard Decision Support System and Method

Technical Field

The invention relates to a decision support system and method aiming to minimize devastating effects of the epidemic by identifying and controlling the epidemics, the symptoms of which are identified in the literature, as soon as possible.

Prior Art

It has been observed repeatedly throughout history how large the effects of epidemics [1 ] that can be caused by various pathogenic biological agents such as viruses, microbes, and bacteria can be if they are not taken under control. Black plague, Spanish flu, and the Covid- 19 outbreak can be listed as some of the most famous examples.

Although decision support systems are widely used in different sectors and fields, there is no other alternative that aims to help combat bioagents and where hardware and software are brought together in a compact and original form. In the current practice, field teams record the raw symptom data in the suspected disaster area via printed or digital forms, and a committee of physicians experienced in epidemics examine these raw data in a rather inefficient process and try to make a differential diagnosis based on matching of diseasesymptom and bioagents in the literature. However, detecting which of the more than 180 pathogenic bioagents in the literature [2] causes the symptom combinations found in the available raw data can be done very slowly [3] and with a low accuracy rate. This has a very negative impact on efforts to control the epidemic and minimize the damage in epidemic situations where every minute is critical.

Although decision support systems are widely used in different fields [6], there is no developed product in the field of bioterrorism. In the raw symptom data entry process with the printed and digital forms used in the current standard practice against bioterrorism, the data are usually transmitted to the centre via the internet, and this makes the system more vulnerable to threats from outside. In order to prevent danger such as the transmission of data in the field to third persons in case of epidemics or the confusion of symptom data by entering fake data from outside, our data are transmitted by controlling the hardware identity of the data input devices and encrypted with an encryption algorithm.

In addition to the fact that the systems that are similar in practice transmit the data to the centre with a method whose security is open to debate, all they do is present the raw data to the relevant physician committee in a scattered manner. Processing and filtering of the data in any way is not possible.

Existing methods both transfer the data via the internet with ready-made hardware over a system with high security vulnerabilities and leave the data vulnerable to various manipulations. Moreover, since the transmitted data are transferred only as raw data, it causes the decision processes of the physicians committee and administrative supervisors, who are in the decision-making position, to take quite a long time. In an epidemic where new tens or hundreds of cases spread every minute and this spread increases exponentially, the delay in making decisions can have very serious damages. A similar case was experienced in Covid-19 epidemics recently. Therefore, the present methods do not allow quick action taking for epidemics encountered before and having detailed information about symptoms.

The application numbered US2021288988A1 encountered during search of the literature stresses out loT technology but does not contain field limitation, symptomatic approach, symptoms-based action. Also, it requires sensor use.

The patents numbered US2018039752A1 and US2015100345A1 do not disclose any embodiments that may eliminate above mentioned disadvantages either.

As a result, due to above-described disadvantages and inadequacy of existing solutions it has been necessary to make development in the related art.

REFERENCE

[1] O. Yuksel and R. Erdem, “Bioterrorism and Health”, Hacettepe Journal of Health Administration, c. 19, pg 2, Art. pg 2, June 2016.

[2] “Bioterrorism: management of major biological agents - PubMed”. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16964582/ (Access addendum, 17, 2021). [3] H. L Cebeci and D. Odaba§, “A decision support system model proposal to manage chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters”, Sakarya University Journal of Business Institute, c. 1 , pg 1 , Art. pg 1 , Dec. 2019.

[4] M. Topaloglu and H. Sur, “Decision tree application to reduce incorrect diagnosis in symptoms of jaundice”, 2015, Access: Oct. 17, 2021. [Online]. Access address: https://openaccess.biruni.edu.tr/xmlui/handle/20.500.12445/359

[5] R. Primartha, “PENERAPAN ENKRIPSI DAN DEKRIPSI FILE MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA ADVANCED ENCRYPTION STANDARD (AES)”, Journal of Research in Computer Science and Applications Informatics Engineering Department, Sriwijaya University, c. 01 , pg 01 , Art. pg 01 , Jan. 2013.

[6] M. Ozata and D. §. Aslan, “Clinical Decision Support Systems and Best Practices”, Kocatepe Medical Journal, c. 5, pg 1 , Art. pg 1 , Apr. 2004, doi: 10.18229/ktd.47417.

Purpose of the Invention

Differently from the existing related art, the invention aims to disclose an embodiment offering new solutions in this field and having different technical characteristics.

Primary purpose of the invention is to provide minimizing devastating impacts of epidemics by identification of epidemics symptoms of which are known in literature and taking them under control as soon as possible. The system of the invention serves role of guidance in the decisions of regional measures and interventions in biological pollutions.

Decision support system of the invention categorizes the symptom combinations in the collected raw data by referring to the datasets produced with reference to the publications in the literature and being subject to studies for many years and by processing them with the artificial intelligence model, and thus produces a result with high accuracy regarding which bioagent and disease the relevant symptom combinations imply. In this way, the experienced specialist physicians committee can quickly reach a conclusion by making the necessary analyses for only one or two bioagents, instead of wasting time with dozens of different possibilities. This plays a critical role in quickly controlling the number of epidemic cases that continue to increase exponentially every minute. The values used to find out significance of the raw data required for the operation of the system (symptom-disease pair risk values) are determined by reference to the results of academic studies in the literature [4], The system of the invention provides encrypting algorithm and thus enables safe data transmission [5].

In order to achieve above mentioned purposes, the invention is a decision support system providing minimization of devastating impacts of epidemics by means of identification of epidemics / biohazards symptoms of which are known in the literature and taking them under control as soon as possible, and characterized by comprising

• At least one data input device that enables the entry of epidemic / biohazard-related findings and data and the transmission of the entered data to the central data processing device,

• Microprocessor in the data input device that enables data collection, processing and encryption,

• Wireless communication module and antenna that enable the data collected with the data input device to be transmitted to the central data processing device,

• A database providing the storage of the data sent by the data input device,

• At least one central data processing device providing meaningful results for decision makers by processing the data with artificial intelligence algorithms.

The structural and characteristics features of the invention and all advantages will be understood better in detailed descriptions with the figures given below and with reference to the figures, and therefore, the assessment should be made taking into account the said figures and detailed explanations.

Figures to Help Understanding of the Invention

Figure 1 is front view of data input device.

Figure 2 is an illustrative view of central data processing device and database.

Figure 3 is rear view of data input device.

Figure 4 is view of data input device with rear cover opened status.

The figures are not necessarily to be scaled and the details not necessary for understanding the present invention might have been neglected. In addition, the components which are equivalent to great extent at least or have equivalent functions at least have been assigned the same number.

Description of Part References 10. Central data processing device

20. Data input device

21. Touch screen

22. Communication module

23. Data input device case 1

24. Data input device case 2

25. Rear cover

26. Microprocessor

27. Battery

27.1 . Battery charge module

28. Voltage regulator

29. On/off switch

30. Database

40. Antenna

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in a manner not forming any restrictive effect and only for purpose of better understanding of the matter.

The system of the invention comprises a central data processing device (10) and one or more data input devices (20) capable to communicate with each other in a wireless and encrypted manner. Symptoms data obtained during field surveys by authorized personnel performing activities in the region where biological contamination is experienced, and disaster is suspected are entered into database (30) by physical data input device (20) having original design and software and they are processed in the central data processing device (10) with artificial intelligence algorithms and thus it is provided to produce meaningful results for decision makers. The produced results are submitted to the concerned authorities in writing and visually via the developed interface and nature of the case being experienced, current status thereof and solution suggestions based on concrete data for actions needed to be taken are offered. In general, the system of the invention helps taking correct actions in a very quick way in emergency cases such as biological attacks and epidemics where every minute is critical. One of the most critical elements of the developed decision support system is the artificial intelligence algorithm used to make decisions. Machine learning is a kind of artificial intelligence sub-title. An estimation can be made based on statistical evaluations made on more data.

Part of decision support system to be solved by use of artificial intelligence is basically a problem of classification. It classifies risk of a patient caught a specific disease in past as very high, high, medium, low or very low based on the obtained symptoms.

Data input device (20) is designed in form of a tablet computer by use of a microprocessor (26). Microprocessor (26) conducts data collection and data processing processes and control system. Data input by user and interaction with the system can be made by touch screen (21 ) The results obtained from a region are transmitted in a safe way via encrypting by encryption algorithm from a remote centre to central data processing device (10) by means of wireless communication module (22) and antenna (40). The antenna (40) increases range of wireless communication. Communication is made by radio waves wirelessly and systems such as LoRa, GSM, Wi-Fi etc. can be used as interface.

Data input device case 1 (23) is the scaffolding structure wherein data input device (20) components are placed. Data input device case 2 (24) provides casing and mounting for components. Restriction of rear access to components is provided by rear cover (25).

Rechargeable batteries (27) provided in data input device (20) enable wireless and mobile use of data input device (20) and supply energy to the device. Battery charge module (27.1 ) provides proper charge of batteries (27). Voltage regulator (28) meet voltage needs of various values in the system. On/Off switch (29) enables prevention of power consumption when data input device (20) is not in use.

During the prototype development process, the outer body of the system was produced by use of a three-dimensional printer, but in case of starting mass production, it is planned to be produced in plastic injection molds much faster and with less cost. Parts designed for manufacture are made by use of computer aided design program.

The process steps of the system of the invention are as follows:

• Preparation of data set,

• Development of artificial intelligence, • Training artificial intelligence model,

• Testing and optimizing artificial intelligence model,

• Selection and supply of physical components,

• Forming three-dimensioned solid model,

• Manufacture of body

• Installation of electronic circuits,

• Mounting components,

• Conduct of holistic tests of system,

• Works on electromechanics and software optimization,

Process steps made by the system of the invention are:

• Entering findings and data regarding epidemic / biohazard via data input device (20),

• Encryption of data through encryption algorithm by microprocessor (26) and transmission of data to central data processing device (10) by communication module (22) and antenna (40) and recording of them into database (30),

• Processing the data by artificial intelligence algorithm by means of central data processing device (10) and producing meaningful results for decision makers,

• Submission of produced results to concerned authorities in writing and visually via an interface.

Claims

8

CLAIMS A decision support system providing minimization of devastating impacts of epidemics by means of identification of epidemics / biohazards symptoms of which are known in the literature and taking them under control as soon as possible, and characterized by comprising;

• at least one data input device (20) that enables the entry of epidemic / biohazard- related findings and data and the transmission of the entered data to the central data processing device (10),

• microprocessor (26) in the data input device (20) that enables data collection, processing and encryption,

• wireless communication module (22) and antenna (40) that enable the data collected with the data input device (20) to be transmitted to the central data processing device (10),

• a database (30) providing the storage of the data sent by the data input device (20),

• at least one central data processing device (10) providing meaningful results for decision makers by processing the data with artificial intelligence algorithms. The system according to claim 1 characterized by comprising a touch screen (21 ) enabling user to enter data and interact with system. The system according to claim 1 characterized by comprising a data input device case 1 (23) wherein data input device (20) components are placed, data input device case 2 (24) providing casing and mounting for the components, a rear cover (25) enabling restriction of access to components from rear side. The system according to claim 1 characterized by comprising chargeable battery (27) enabling wireless and mobile use of data input device (20) and supplying energy. The system according to claim 1 characterized by battery charge module (27.1 ) providing charge of batteries (27). The system according to claim 1 characterized by voltage regulator (28) meeting voltage need of various values in the system. 9 The system according to claim 1 characterized by comprising on/off switch (29) preventing power consumption in cases when data input device (20) is not in use. A decision support method providing minimization of devastating impacts of epidemics by means of identification of epidemics / biohazards symptoms of which are known in the literature and taking them under control as soon as possible, and characterized by comprising process steps of;

• encryption of data through encryption algorithm by microprocessor (26) and transmission of data to central data processing device (10) by communication module

(22) and antenna (40) and recording of them into database (30),